The Kano State Government KNSG, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has enrolled 10,000 cottage traders and street hawkers into the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Scheme (KSCHS) as part of efforts to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare for informal sector operators.
The enrollment exercise marks a significant step toward strengthening social protection and ensuring inclusive healthcare coverage for vulnerable groups across the state.
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Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Kano State Cottage Trade and Street Hawking Agency, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmad Bichi,described access to healthcare as critical to sustaining livelihoods, enhancing productivity, and improving the overall wellbeing of cottage traders and street hawkers.
He commended the state government for prioritizing the welfare of informal workers.
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In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA), Dr. Rahila Aliyu Muktar, explained that the initiative was designed to protect beneficiaries from the burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses while guaranteeing access to quality healthcare services at accredited health facilities across the state.
Dr. Muktar noted that the enrollment drive aligns with the vision of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to deepen universal health coverage and ensure that all residents of Kano State, particularly those in the informal sector, are captured within the state’s social protection framework.
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The formal flag-off of the enrollment exercise was performed on behalf of the state government by the Head of Service, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, marking the official registration of the beneficiaries. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing the wellbeing of both formal and informal sector workers, describing good health as fundamental to productivity and sustainable development.
Participants at the event were also guided on enrollment procedures, service utilization, and access to accredited health facilities to ensure smooth and effective implementation of the scheme.